David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center
10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York City, NY, 10023
Part of NYC’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, David Geffen Hall is home to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and a stage for other concerts, film premieres, and galas. The venue draws fans of culture, midcentury modern design, and classical music.
The Basics
The striking David Geffen Hall (formerly called the Philharmonic Hall, then the Avery Fisher Hall) centers on a rectangular 2,738-seat auditorium. From September through June, the hall puts on regular concerts by the NYPO—one of the world’s oldest symphony orchestras—as well as jazz shows, operas, and other events.
The ideal way to experience David Geffen Hall is to attend a NYPO concert. For the best seat selection, purchase your ticket online in advance. Guided tours of Lincoln Center are available; or, just stroll around Lincoln Center Plaza to admire the hall and see neighboring venues such as the Metropolitan Opera House.
Things to Know Before You Go
On-site amenities include a café, bars, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
David Geffen Hall is accessible to wheelchairs, with designated seating.
The bars open for preconcert drinks an hour before the performance starts.
How to Get There
David Geffen Hall stands at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza between West 62nd and West 65th streets, and is easily reached by subway: take the 1 train to 66th Street–Lincoln Center station, or the A, B, C, or D train to 59th Street–Columbus Circle. The M5, M7, M10, M11, M20, M66, and M104 buses also stop nearby. Lincoln Center offers indoor parking, with entrances on 62nd and 65th streets.
When to Get There
The hall typically hosts around three NYPO shows each week during the concert season, with evening performances usually starting at 7:30pm and matinees at 2pm. Get there at least 30 minutes before start time. Visitors are also welcome to attend open rehearsals, normally held in the morning.
What to See at David Geffen Hall
Make sure to check out the hall’s Grand Promenade. The 2nd-floor corridor boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with stellar views of Lincoln Center, the fountained Josie Robertson Plaza, and the Upper West Side. There and in the lobby, you’ll also see assorted artwork, including a 1909 bust of composer Gustav Mahler by Rodin.
Ways to explore
The striking David Geffen Hall (formerly called the Philharmonic Hall, then the Avery Fisher Hall) centers on a rectangular 2,200-seat auditorium, which hosts concerts by the New York Philharmonic—one of the world’s oldest symphony orchestras—as well as jazz shows, operas, and other events. The ideal way to experience the venue is to attend a concert; purchase a ticket online in advance for the best seat selection.
Walking tours around Manhattan, particularly those focused on architecture, often include a visit to Lincoln Center and, within the complex, the Metropolitan Opera House. Lincoln Center also offers its own tours, which sometimes include David Geffen Hall.
Accessibility
David Geffen Hall is wheelchair accessible and has designated seating and restrooms.
Age limits
Most performances admit children aged 5 and up, but individual events may have different policies.
What to pack
Bring just the essentials (and perhaps binoculars if you’re seated in the back) in a small bag/purse—large bags are not allowed inside the venue.
What to wear
There’s no dress code, but attending a concert provides a great excuse to dress up.
Not allowed
Rules around phones and photography vary between productions, so check ahead of time.
Amenities
Restaurants, bars, coat check, Wi-Fi
Address
David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center is on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and easily accessible by public transportation.
Driving
Lincoln Center offers indoor parking, with entrances on 62nd and 65th Streets.
Public transportation
Take the 1 train to 66th Street–Lincoln Center, or the A, B, C, or D train to 59th Street–Columbus Circle. A number of bus routes, including the M5, M7, M10, M11, M20, M66, and M104, also stop nearby.
Best times to visit
If you have tickets to a performance, arrive at least 30 minutes early to grab a drink and find your seat. Otherwise, aim to pass by Lincoln Center when it’s lit up after dark.
Best days to visit
Visit on a weekday to take a behind-the-scenes tour of Lincoln Center. The tours sometimes stop in David Geffen Hall, though each itinerary varies.
Best months to visit
The NY Philharmonic season typically runs from September through June.
Special events
Festivals and special events: If you can nab a ticket, September’s Opening Gala is one of NYC’s top cultural events.
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